Well, guys, The Big Bang Theory is officially coming to an end [1]. As much as it pains us to say this, on Wednesday, Warner Bros. Television, CBS, and Chuck Lorre Productions released a joint statement announcing that the upcoming 12th season will be the show's last. "We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of The Big Bang Theory during the past 12 seasons," the statement read. Following the news, Kaley Cuoco (Penny) posted an emotional message [2] on Instagram, along with a throwback snap of the cast at the 2016 People's Choice Awards. See the cast's emotional tributes ahead, and then catch the 12th season of The Big Bang Theory when it premieres on Sept. 24.
Kaley Cuoco
"This ride has been a dream come true [4] and as life changing as it gets. No matter when it was going to end, my heart would have always been broken in two. Drowning in tears, we promise to bring you the best season yet. To the fans, our crew, families, Chuck Lorre, Warner Brothers, CBS, and everyone who has supported us for so many years, thank you. We are goin out with a bang 💫."
Mayim Bialik
"Yesterday was a big day. You know when you park at a meter, but you're pulled up too far because the jerk behind you parked beyond their spot, and then you get a $58 parking ticket? That happened. I also had an intense double therapy session. And my younger son tried soccer for the first time.
And, also, I found out The Big Bang Theory's upcoming season 12 [5] will be its final one. Life, as my mentor says, is in session.
Am I happy? Of course not. This has been my job since Melissa Rauch and I joined the cast as regulars in season 4. I love my job. I love my castmates, and I feel such appreciation for our incredible crew, our brave writers, our entire staff, and our amazing fans. So many people are a part of our Big Bang family.
This is hard. I love coming to work and pretending to be Amy. She's a riot. She's me, and I am her. And soon she will not be mine to create.
I am a mother of two sons, which is my most critically important job. I am planning a Bar Mitzvah (it's in a month!) and making sure soccer cleats fit. I protect tiny hearts, and I explain the world to these small people. That's my job.
But my paying job—the one you know me for—is ending and yes: It's very sad. I fear it's going to be very hard to not cry every day for the next 23 episodes! But, as a cast, we love bringing joy to our viewers and we will continue to do that to the best of our collective ability.
Being an actor is profoundly humbling, incredibly gratifying, and terribly complex. Being an employed actor on what is the #1 comedy in America is unbelievable. And the fact that so many people consider us a part of their lives and families is powerful. I don't take any of it for granted.
And now I start to figure out what next. Where will life take me? Where will this career go? What do I want?
Mostly, I want to thank our fans for loving us hard enough to keep this train going for 12 years. And when it's time to get off, another train will pull up to the station. 'You don't need no baggage, you just get on board.'"